GCSE Combined Science (AQA)

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Stem Cells

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Cell Biology Cell Division

Stem Cells

1:58 Stem Cell Types
Spec 4.1.2.3
Previous Mitosis Next Embryonic Stem Cells
  • Stem cells are undifferentiated and unspecialized cells.
  • They have the ability to differentiate into many different types of cells.
  • Examples include stem cells in muscle tissue becoming muscle cells, neural stem cells differentiating into nerve cells, bone marrow stem cells producing red blood cells, and stem cells in the gut producing intestinal cells.
  • The process of differentiation is irreversible; once a stem cell has differentiated, it cannot change back or become another cell type.
  • Stem cells can replicate through mitosis, allowing them to self-renew and maintain a pool of stem cells.
  • Once a stem cell has specialized, it cannot replicate to produce more stem cells.
  • Both animals and plants have stem cells, including adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells in mammals, and meristem cells in plants.
  • For exams, understanding the function of stem cells in adult animals, embryos, and meristem cells in plants is essential.

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